What are we looking for in space, and what can it teach us about life on Earth?

In May, wow² Space launched visitors on a journey through research, technology and imagination. This autumn, the journey continues. On 31 October and 1 November, wow² Space returns to ETH Zurich with new perspectives, new experiences and new opportunities to explore some of humanity’s biggest questions.

Across two days, visitors can follow their curiosity through exhibitions, talks, tours, workshops and performances that explore not only the universe around us, but also what it means to be human within it.

Starting with a Big Question

If you’re wondering where to begin, start with the question at the heart of this year’s event. In his opening keynote, Professor Thomas Zurbuchen invites us to reflect on a deceptively simple idea: Why space?

It is a question that echoes throughout the weekend, whether the topic is astronomy, robotics, climate research or the search for life beyond Earth. Rather than offering a single answer, wow² Space invites visitors to explore the many ways in which space shapes science, society and our understanding of ourselves.

Looking Beyond Earth

From there, the programme branches out in many directions.

You might find yourself gazing towards distant planets and wondering whether life exists elsewhere in the universe. Or perhaps you’ll step inside the historic Semper Observatory, where generations of researchers have studied the night sky, before continuing your journey through the Solar System in one of the immersive planetarium shows.

For those fascinated by the cosmos, wow² Space offers countless opportunities to look beyond Earth and explore some of the biggest mysteries still facing science today.

Imagining Humanity’s Next Steps

What comes after exploration?

For those interested in humanity’s future beyond Earth, there is plenty to discover. Meet LunarLeaper, a robot designed to tackle some of the Moon’s most challenging terrain, learn how students are developing Mars rovers, and hear from analogue astronauts who prepare for future missions by testing space-like conditions here on Earth.

Together, these projects offer a glimpse into how exploration begins long before anyone leaves the ground.

Choose Your Own Journey

What makes wow² Space stand out is the variety of ways to engage.

You can listen, watch, discuss, experiment, build, play or simply explore. One moment might find you examining meteorites or experiencing an earthquake simulator; the next you may be listening to a live podcast recording, joining a workshop about the future of the Solar System, or laughing along at a science comedy show.

For younger explorers, the weekend offers plenty of opportunities to create, code and experiment. From rockets and robotics to hands-on science activities, the emphasis is not on providing answers, but on encouraging questions.

There is no single route through the programme. Whether you spend an hour or an entire weekend exploring, the experience is ultimately shaped by your own curiosity.

And perhaps that’s exactly the point…

Explore the full programme and plan your visit here: https://ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/meet-eth/wowhochzwei.html

Further information

If you have any questions or feedback, the meet ETH team is happy to assist via email: meet.eth@sl.ethz.ch

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